An Example To Follow
AN EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW
1 TIMOTHY 4:12-16
Timothy is to set an example in speech, life, love, faith and purity—what a witness we would be if we were like that!
Student unrest, protests and even riots, in many countries mean that modern young people are in no danger of oversubmissiveness. “Let no one despise your youth” (4:12) is scarcely a necessary injunction for our generation, no matter how much Timothy needed it. Young people as a whole are very confident, at least in their criticism of the establishment.
But even modern young people may ask, “Exactly what am I trying to do? What kind of life do I want?” Paul reminds Timothy that people do not live for themselves. Inevitably their lives form some kind of example. What kind is the important thing. Both “speech and conduct” are important, and Paul looks for a lead “in love, in faith, in purity.” All three are important in a world like ours.
Timothy was a public figure in the church and Paul goes on to consider how he should fulfill his responsibilities. It is interesting that in the conduct of worship he singles out public reading of Scripture, preaching and teaching (4:13). It is still the case that these are the significant elements in worship. Christian worship must center on the reading of Scripture, for it is rooted in what God has revealed in Christ. The preaching which sets out the teachings of Scripture is a necessary consequence. “Teaching” is not so different from preaching, but it puts some emphasis on instruction in sound doctrine. What is taught in the name of Christ is important. A little later Paul stresses this again: “Take heed to yourself and to your teaching” (4:16). In a day when many conflicting views are put forward as authentic Christianity, it is good to pay renewed attention to the content of teaching. Scripture is our standard, and what does not agree with the revelation is not accepted.
Paul further appeals to his young friend, “Do not neglect the gift you have” (4:14). It is easy to long for gifts we do not have and in the process neglect the one God has given us. In Timothy’s case Paul is apparently referring to ordination, for that is the natural interpretation of the laying on of the hands of the elders. Fulfillment of any ministry is not automatic, but requires diligent effort.
Note 4:16: “save” is used in a wide sense of realizing to the full what is implicit in Christian salvation.